The festive season is usually a time which is spent sharing in the merriment with family and friends. However, for those without families it can be a lonely and sad period. Children living in care centres have neither families nor funds and therefore the holidays often bring little joy.

Understanding the plight of these children in need, thyssenkrupp decided to once again join in the deserving Santa Shoebox initiative. The company donated the boxes to two children’s homes in Tembisa and Alexandra on 13 and 14 December 2018 respectively.

Since its origination in 2006, the Santa Shoebox has since been collecting and distributing gifts to disadvantaged children across South Africa and Namibia. Filled with daily necessities such as stationary, toiletries and clothing, the Santa Shoeboxes also include a toy and something sweet to brighten up a child’s day.

“thyssenkrupp has been participating in the Santa Shoebox initiative for many years, as we believe in its sentiments and making in a difference to the lives of underprivileged children during the festive holidays,” states Philipp Nellessen, CEO of thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions Sub Sahara Africa.

“We specifically chose the Ubuhle Bezwe Child Care Centre in Tembisa and Refilwe Legae Home in Alexandra to receive our Santa Shoeboxes, as these homes care for many abandoned as well as disabled children in these disadvantaged areas.”

On the morning of 13 December 2018, thyssenkrupp employees loaded up their cars and set off for Tembisa to deliver the first round of Santa Shoebox happiness. The company was warmly welcomed by Nompumelelo Barbra Mthimkhulu from Ubuhle Bezwe who proceeded to take the employees on a tour of the home. The children could not contain their excitement upon receiving their boxes.

“It always warms your heart to see the delight that these gifts bring to the children,” notes Kgothatso Ntsie, Marketing & Communications Manager at thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions South Africa. “Spending time with the children was a rewarding experience as we got to spread not only gifts, but also laughter and cheer.” The thyssenkrupp team departed from the home having learnt a little more about the circumstances of disadvantaged children in Tembisa.

The following day saw thyssenkrupp employees heading to Alexandra for the final Santa Shoebox donation. The thyssenkrupp team handed out the boxes to the enthusiastic kids, spending time to get to know them. “It is not only about giving gifts but also about taking a moment to interact with the children and show that you care,” points out Ntsie. The day concluded in high spirits with both the thyssenkrupp team and the children having experienced a fun-filled and rewarding time.

“We are truly grateful to our employees who took the time to create and donate these amazing Santa Shoeboxes,” says Nellessen.

“We would also like to extend a warm thanks to other individuals who joined us in this initiative such as Sarah Lowe from First Car Rental who generously sponsored six Santa Shoeboxes. thyssenkrupp is passionate about helping our local communities and we are proud to be part of the Santa Shoebox drive which brings joy to the lives of children over the festive season.”